Warning: Spoilers for Power Rangers Prime #5With over thirty seasons of Power Rangers, there is one season that continues to go painfully overlooked. That’s an injustice that the new canon is looking to correct, returning the lore behind the Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers to the franchise’s spotlight.
There’s no question that Mighty Morphin remains the most iconic introduction to the franchise, with frequent confirmations that the original Power Rangers are the strongest. But with Alien Rangers still criminally underrated or largely forgotten, Power Rangers Prime #5 seeks to remind audiences of their greatness. Following Mighty Morphin’s third season (and before Zeo arrived), Saban aired Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers, a 10-episode miniseries replacing the Mighty Morphin Rangers with the aliens of Aquitar.
When the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were turned to children incapable of fighting, the Alien Rangers were summoned from Aquitar to Earth to fight the forces of evil in their place until further notice. Now, the planet Aquitar has returned for Power Rangers Prime, allowing the franchise to pay homage and respect to the most underrated Ranger squad.
Prime’s New Power Ranger Hails From The Same Planet As The Alien Rangers
Power Rangers Prime #5 by Melissa Flores, Michael YG, Fabi Marques, Ed Dukeshire
Power Rangers Prime #5 puts a spotlight on Markon “Mark” Zhao, the team’s Blue Ranger. The previous issue saw the entire team of new Power Rangers introduced, but the followup has brought Mark’s story into focus, as an Aquitian refugee who immigrated to the planet Earth upon the destruction of his homeworld. These origins are frowned upon on Earth, yet the issue’s opening flashback (set four years prior) shows Mark intervene when the future Pink Ranger, Orion, is bullied for being the sole survivor of Andresia’s destruction.
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Mark is then bullied in turn for being from Aquitar, with his bullies likening the notion to being a poor servant, but he nonetheless stands tall beside his new friend. This isn’t the first time in Power Rangers Prime that Mark has showcased his bravery, as his first scene in the series sees him protecting Red Ranger Lauren Shiba from being captured. The franchise has long established that Blue Rangers are the team’s ultimate problem solver, but Mark embodies the strengths of Aquitians, who began by stepping up for the original Ranger team.
Power Rangers Prime is Putting Respect on The Name of Aquitar & The Alien Rangers
Bravery and Problem Solving is an Inherent Aquitian Trait for Rangers from That Planet
Following the spirit of the original Alien Rangers, Mark’s willingness to spring into action does the Alien Rangers proud. The Alien Rangers were there for the original Power Rangers when they were needed, and multiple times in just the first five issues, Mark has proven these same values. Although this series takes place in an alternate reality where the Alien Rangers may not have existed, the story builds off the readers’ knowledge of Aquitar and their understanding of the planet’s place in Rangers lore.
Power Rangers Prime is using Mark to perfectly pay respect to his people. And with the latest issue turning the tables by having Mark captured by the VR Troopers, the stage is set for his fellow Power Rangers to show their appreciation. In the process, highlighting the same level of bravery as the Alien Rangers in whose image he’s been so effectively created.
Power Rangers Prime #5 is on sale now from BOOM! Studios.
- Release Date
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February 5, 1996
Cast
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David Yost
Delphine (White Aquitar Ranger)
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Julia Jordan
Tideus (Yellow Aquitar Ranger)
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Matthew Sakimoto
Cestro (Blue Aquitar Ranger)
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Sicily
Corcus (Black Aquitar Ranger)